An Illustrated Guide to Relativity

A unique book explaining Einstein's special theory of relativity through diagrams rather than equations, for physics students and non-science majors.

Tatsu Takeuchi (Author)

9780521141000, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 9 September 2010

268 pages, 137 colour illus. 69 exercises
22.6 x 15 x 1.3 cm, 0.43 kg

'… I have never seen such an original guide for newcomers in science … It is clear that Professor Takeuchi is … a skilled artist in his own way.' Contemporary Physics

Aimed at both physics students and non-science majors, this unique book explains Einstein's special theory of relativity pictorially, using diagrams rather than equations. The diagrams guide the reader, step-by-step, from the basics of relativity to advanced topics including the addition of velocities, Lorentz contraction, time dilation, the twin paradox, Doppler shift, and Einstein's famous equation E=mc². The distinctive figures throughout the book enable the reader to visualize the theory in a way that cannot be fully conveyed through equations alone. The illustrative explanations in this book maintain the logic and rigour necessary for physics students, yet are simple enough to be understood by non-scientists. The book also contains entertaining problems which challenge the reader's understanding of the materials covered.

Preface
Part I. Kinematics: 1. Introduction
2. Basics
3. Galilean relativity
4. Einsteinian relativity
5. Causality
6. Consequences
7. Summary of Part I
Part II. Problems: 8. Qualitative problems
9. Quantitative problems
Part III. Dynamics: 10. The world's most famous equation
11. The problem
12. Newtonian dynamics
13. Relativistic dynamics
14. Summary of Part III
Afterword
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB], Relativity physics [PHR], Gravity [PHDV], Cosmology & the universe [PGK]